Aston Villa are reportedly gearing up to open formal talks with Galatasaray for Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, as they prepare for a Champions League return.
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Villa have been monitoring the 26-year-old for some time and are now ready to make a move. The Midlands club is expected to meet with Galatasaray in the coming days, with the Istanbul giants setting a minimum asking price of €35 million for their prized asset.
Gabriel Sara himself is said to be open to the transfer. He's reportedly keen on a move to Villa Park, seeing it as a significant step towards his career goals of securing a spot in the Brazilian national squad and making his mark in the Premier League. The transfer is expected to proceed if the clubs can agree on a fee.
Sara's impressive performances for Galatasaray last season have caught the eye of several top clubs. He notched six goals and five assists in 42 appearances, showcasing his dynamic presence in central midfield, capable of both driving attacks and making late runs into the box.
While Tottenham and Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder, Aston Villa appears to be leading the race. With Unai Emery looking to strengthen his squad for multiple competitions, securing a player of Sara's caliber would signal a major statement of intent for the upcoming season.